Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I Did Not Kill My Husband : But I Almost Killed Myself is my first published book. I have been writing patient advocate articles for a medical site for two years, but when my life took a turn for the worst, I knew I had to help people. So, I wrote a book!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest book is ‘I Did Not Kill My Husband : But I Almost Killed Myself’. I was inspired to write this book after my husband lost his decade long battle to the disease of alcoholism. He was the alcoholic and yet… I found myself standing next to the tracks of an oncoming train, seriously contemplating stepping in front of it. This disease is a silent kill. It infiltrates entire families and rips them apart – and people keep it secret. Not anymore. I’m here writing my story, the story I needed when I was on the front lines myself, for anyone going through this trauma as well.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I never write without my naked sphynx cat, Eli, on my lap. He’s a trained emotional support animal and he helps me make it through the hard chapters to write.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have been influenced by Daniel Handler, or Lemony Snicket, author of Series of Unfortunate Events. I know, I know, he’s a young adult author… But I’ve read this series to my classes for the last 15 years and have absolutely enjoyed watching them learn to love reading. That’s where it all begins.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently writing the second book in my ‘Healing Trauma’ series titled ‘Dear Macular Degeneration, You Can’t Have My Joy’. Besides all of the trauma I had going on with my husband’s alcoholism, I’m losing my central vision and going blind. More trauma, more to heal, more to write about.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Promotional ads and social media.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Research promotion before you publish. Also, just go all in. If you’re going to do this thing, then do it.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
If you fall ten times, get back up eleven.
What are you reading now?
Girl! Wash Your Face! Oh, and blended.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Continue to write with the purpose of helping others.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
My own (just because I’m so proud of it and I can’t believe I actually did this thing – Oh, and if I was stranded with others I assume someone would need to read it as well!), The Alchemist, How Al-Anon Works, and Sirens of Titan (for my boyfriend).
Author Websites and Profiles
AM Parker Amazon Profile
AM Parker’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile